William F. Durkin

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William F. Durkin (April 25, 1929 – March 13, 2025) was an American politician and businessman who served as Waukegan, Illinois’ city clerk from 1980 to 1993 and as mayor from 1993 to 2001.

Durkin was born in Waukegan and grew up there, attending local schools and later the University of Notre Dame. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, in the 2nd Division Artillery. After his military service, he joined his father and brother in running Durkin & Durkin, a family-owned men’s clothing store with locations in Waukegan, Fox Lake, and Wisconsin. The store operated for 75 years before closing in 1980, when Durkin began his public service career.

In 1980, Durkin was elected Waukegan city clerk and served three terms. He then ran for mayor and won in 1993, serving two terms until 2001. He was known for building coalitions, working well with people even when they disagreed, and for his approachable nature. His daughter recalled that he gave his phone number to everyone he met and would return every call.

Durkin married Virginia Kelly on November 8, 1952, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. They were married for 70 years until her death in 2022 and had four children: Mary Ellen Vanderventer, Bill Durkin, Carol Wolf, and Joan Westphal. Vanderventer later served as Lake County recorder (1996–2022), and Bill Durkin was a Lake County Board member (2010–2022). Durkin was a longtime, active member of his community and even dressed as Santa Claus each Christmas to bring gifts to neighborhood children.

He passed away at Allure Nursing Home in Zion, Illinois, on March 13, 2025, at the age of 95. His funeral was held March 18, 2025, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Waukegan. He is remembered as a gentle, trustworthy leader who valued service to others. Since his time as mayor, no Waukegan mayor has been reelected.